Early Bundeswehr Schirmmützen

[Collectinsteve]

I am curious what the date ranges are for the use of these three caps:

1. Altgold type for Major, Oberstleutnant, and Oberst (correct?). Generally in great shape, but some of the silver cord at the top has been worn down to the metal wire



2. Gray band type for Leutnant and Hauptman (correct?). I think this type was used up until the 1970 uniform transition? Excuse the badge being loose. I received the hat without a badge and I have yet to properly glue a replacement on.



3. Light gray type for Leutnant and Hauptman (correct?). Used from the 1970 transition, I'm sure, until when?



Thanks!!

Steve

[SirHarry1]

Steve,
No 3 (the light grey one) can still be used today, even though you may not see them too often.
Best regards
Harry

[Gordon Craig]

Steve,

You are correct on the rank grades you have listed for the individual caps. All of the visor caps had a grey band when they were made. The cap bands on early caps have a bad habit of changing colour to the "brown" shade shown on some of yours . I have an early cap where the whole thing has changed colour to a light brown. Maker labels are often useful in attempting to date when a cap was manufactured.
PS-The cap badges are sewn into place. Not glued on.

Regards,

Gordon

[Collectinsteve]

Hi Gordon,

So it's just a fading issue? Dang, I really like the sort of "alt gold" look of the band and so I thought it was done on purpose. Oh well

The hat with the missing badge did have its original one glued on. At least there is glue in the shape of the badge and it is quite old and brittle. But sewing is so much easier to do so I'll do that in any case.

I really think it is a shame most militaries have moved away from peaked caps and gone to berets (for the most part) So much classier

Steve

[Forseti]

Hi Steve!

You should not say BUNDESHEER, that could lead to misinterpretation.
You should say BUNDESWEHR or just HEER.

The BundesHEER is the AUSTRIAN (Österreich) army.
The german army ist BundesWEHR - with the branches Heer, Luftwaffe, Marine.

By the way: Nice Schirmmützen ;-)

[Gordon Craig]

Hi Steve!

You should not say BUNDESHEER, that could lead to misinterpretation.
You should say BUNDESWEHR or just HEER.

The BundesHEER is the AUSTRIAN (Österreich) army.
The german army ist BundesWEHR - with the branches Heer, Luftwaffe, Marine.

By the way: Nice Schirmmützen ;-)

Forseti,

Thanks for your observation. I am sure that was an over sight on Steve's part. I have changes the thread title.

Regards,

Gordon

[Collectinsteve]

heh... yeah, I must have also been working on some Austrian posts on that day Silly me.

Thanks for the correction Gordon.

Steve

[Forseti]

my name is not gordon, but you re welcome

(just kidding: know what you meant)

greetings from a bundeswehr vet

[Collectinsteve]

I think I need to sleep more, post less

Steve